With Aaron Rodgers out, Matthew Stafford now oldest starting NFL QB

Stay away Father Time, LA Rams starting quarterback Matthew Stafford may be the oldest starting NFL quarterback to suit up for Week 2, but he has a lot of NFL play left in him. The LA Rams need all of it, as the rushing attack did not exactly have the type of Week 1 debut that everyone expected.

Instead, the Rams followed an all-too familiar script. The LA Rams offensive line created a safe pocket for quarterback Matthew Stafford, and Stafford let it fly. He did not have his favorite target, starting wide receiver Cooper Kupp to throw to. But no matter, as Stafford connected on 24 of 38 passes for a cool 334 passing yards. That was his best passing performance since carving up the San Francisco 49ers for 337 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in the NFC Championship Game.

So how did Stafford suddenly age overnight? Well, that happened due to the season ending injury to New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

And so, Matthew Stafford is suddenly thrust into the NFL QB senior statesman role:

Who are the oldest NFL quarterbacks playing today?

So who are the oldest starting quarterbacks in the game today?

1. Tom Brady - 46 years old (retired)
2. Aaron Rodgers - 40 years old (out for the season)
3. Matt Ryan - 38 years old (free agent)
4. Joe Flacco - 38 years old (free agent)
5. Bryan Hoyer - 38 years old (backup quarterback, Las Vegas Raiders)
6. Andy Dalton - 36 years old (backup quarterback, Carolina Panthers)
7. Matthew Stafford - 35 years old (starting quarterback LA Rams)
8. Russell Wilson - 35 years old (starting quarterback Denver Broncos)
9. Kirk Cousins - 35 years old (starting quarterback Minnesota Vikings)
10. Ryan Tannehill - 35 years old (starting quarterback Tennessee Titans)

As you can see from the above list, Matthew Stafford is the oldest active starting NFL quarterback heading into Week 2. After his 334 yard performance in Week 1, nobody envisions needing a new franchise quarterback anytime soon. And that is the reason why the LA Rams need to start planning for that day to come now.

Notice the list? With the exception of Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers, NFL quarterbacks hit a wall at 35 years old, and suddenly are not sought for more than a backup role in the NFL. While Matthew Stafford at 100 percent health appears to have a new lease on his NFL career, now is absolutely the right time to plan for life after Stafford.

The 2024 NFL Draft is loaded with talented quarterbacks. While the LA Rams appear to be more on track for a berth in the NFL Playoffs than a Top-10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, it's wise to keep that draft board in sight. Life comes at you fast. Just ask the New York Jets or quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Prepare for the worst, and hope for the best. If the LA Rams can protect starting QB Matthew Stafford this season, the Rams could be a playoff team. That, however, is a huge 'IF.'